Saturday, August 8, 2015

Saturday, August 8, 2015

[by Keesha Sullivan]

Kenny and I walked into the gym and chatted with one of the workers for a few moments. After just a minute of speaking, I felt the Holy Spirit leading me to invite the worker to a church service and out for lunch. I figured if God had put it on my mind that it would go well. I mentioned going to church with this worker, and his entire face lit up. His reply was quick, and he graciously accepted the invitation.

I marveled at the Lord. The verse from Romans 8:31 came to mind. It says, "31 What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?" When God sends us on a mission, we will always meet success. I am sure that God wants every person in the world to know Him and to fellowship with other believers, but there is something special about carrying out His specific will whether it be for a person, people, or even an entire nation.

 

In the scripture from today it says, "Because the hand of the Lord my God was on me, I took courage and gathered leading men from Israel to go up with me" (Ezra 7:28). Ezra knew that when the hand of the Lord was on Him and that he could be confident in the Lord seeing him through. God had already moved the heart of King Artaxerxes. King Artaxerxes wrote a letter to Ezra stating "Whatever the God of heaven has prescribed, let it be done with diligence for the temple of the God of heaven. Why should his wrath fall on the realm of the king and of his sons?" (Ezra 7:23). God also moved on Ezra's heart to help lead this mission. Ezra had courage because he knew who was on his side. 

When God calls us to do something, whether it be small or great, we too can go forth with incredible boldness. We can trust that God will lead us to success. We always win when obey God because our obedience is the success; the results of our obedience are God's business. At times we might be met with resistance from the enemy, but we can be sure that God will lead us through in triumph. 

Lord, we thank You so much that You have plans for our lives each day. Holy Spirit, please speak to our spiritual ears. Please continue to remove whatever blockage may stand in the way. Help us to be obedient to Your will. We thank You that when we execute Your will that we will be successful. Guide us throughout this day. We need You and we love You. In Jesus' name. Amen